Proud 2 be Filipino

WE'VE MOVED!

2007-01-20T05:37:00.000-08:00

The P2bf (Proud to be Filipino) blog has moved to a new server. Our new URL is www.phstars.com/p2bf.

CLICK HERE

to proceed to our new site.

5-Year-Old Pinoy Broke Swimming Record

2006-10-17T02:34:00.000-07:00

Yup, the Guiness record for the youngest person to swim across a channel was broken by a 5 year-old pinoy named Justin Daniel Junio, son of a former Olympic swimmer. The record Justin broke was that of seven-year-old Braxton Bridley who swam the 2.25-kilometer channel between San Francisco and Alcatraz Island in California USA. Justin swam the three-kilometer wide Mactan channel and back in less than two hours. He battled the strong currents in the polluted channel between Mactan Island and Cebu mainland in a total of 6 kilometers in one hour and 58 minutes!

2 Pinoys in Survivor Cook Islands

2006-10-04T08:39:00.000-07:00

Brad Virata is a 29 year-old fashion director from Oak Harbor, Washington where he grew up. Virata received his Bachelor of Arts Degree in international communications from the University of Washington and was an active member of the Tau Kappa Epsilon fraternity. Shortly after graduation, Virata traveled throughout Europe and Asia working as a model. He then moved to Los Angeles to pursue a career in fashion and attended the Fashion Institute of Design and Merchandising. He began working in couture clothing sales and clothing design merchandising for Guess? Men’s Division. He spent five years with the company and helped launch the clothing line “Los Angeles Denim Atelier.” He currently works as the Director of Men’s Merchandising for Lucky Brand Jeans.

Jenny Guzon-Bae is a 36 year-old Real Estate Agent from Melrose, Illinois. A skilled writer, Guzon-Bae began honing her skills at age 15 when she was hired as a columnist for VIA Times, the largest minority newspaper in the Chicago area. She eventually graduated college with a Bachelor of Arts Degree in journalism from Columbia College in Chicago. She parlayed her writing skills into the spoken word when she became a television reporter for Chicago’s only Filipino-American news program, “Philippine News Reports.” Having retired from reporting a few years ago, Guzon-Bae continues to serve her community by emceeing various social events.

Brad and Jenny are currently competing in the reality show Survivor Cook Islands which can be seen on Studio 23.

Aicelle Santos Wins In Kazakhstan

2006-10-04T08:06:00.000-07:00

Nanalo ang first runner up sa second season ng Pinoy Pop Superstar na si Aicelle Santos sa Astana Song Festival sa Kazakhstan!

Inuwi ni Aicelle ang isa sa dalawang major awards – ang Best Performance of Own Country Song na sinulat ng song writer na si Vehnee Saturno.

Aicelle competed with singers from 14 countries. “This award, this competition has opened doors, the experience itself, para po mag-grow as an artist. Kung baga, hindi ka lang nakatungtong sa stage sa Pilipinas lang, kung hindi sa ibang bansa, ipinakita mo, ‘Ito po kami, Pilipinas, kaya naming makipag-compete,’” she shares.

Efren Bata Reyes - World Champ uli sa Billiards

2006-09-25T20:46:00.000-07:00

Our very own Efren Bata Reyes pockets the biggest prize ever won in Billiards history—P 25,000,000.00 in the 2006 World Open 8-Ball championship in Reno, Nevada, USA.

Biboy Rivera wins 2006 World Tenpin Bowling Championships for Men

2006-09-12T08:32:00.000-07:00

USA, Germany, Australia and Philippines stand face to face in the semifinals of the 2006 World Tenpin Bowling Chmpionships in Busan Korea. There is Achim Grabowski in Germany and Rhino Page in USA. There is Jason Belmonte in Australia and Biboy Revera in Phiolippines. They all have their own peculiarities. Rhino Page is small and has a infrangible moral strength. Achim Grabowski is subtle which is based on strong power. Jason Belmonte, Australia, play powerful and accurate impact. Biboy Rivera is small and play oriental asian style.
Achim Grabowski easily won the game 3 to 1, Rhino Page lost. Biboy Rivera won by a narrow margin 3 to 2. Achim Grabowski and Biboy Rivera get through to the finals.
In the finals, The Filipino bowler wins!

MTV News Featuring Black Eyed Peas' Bebot and Pinoy Pride

2006-09-03T10:56:00.000-07:00

Philippines was Over-all Winner sa World Championships of Performing Arts

2006-08-28T19:31:00.000-07:00

Pinoy Pop Superstar Season 1 winner Jonaylyn Viray was awarded the Industry Award Female Vocal Solo for winning five gold medals in the recently concluded World Championships of Performing Arts which was held in Burbank California. The five golds came from the categories Broadway, Original, Pop, R&B and Variety. Jonalyn was also awarded Overall Champion Female Solo in Broadway, Pop and Original.

On the other hand, in the male vocal solo category, Pinoy Pop Superstar Season 1 2nd Placer Brenan Espartinez also grabbed 5 Gold medals for the categories Gospel, Original, Pop, R&B/Jazz and Variety. He was also awarded Overall Champion Male Solo in Gospel, Original, Pop and Variety (But not in R&B which is ironically, his specialty). He also got the Industry Award Male Vocal Solo.

Jonalyn and Brenan also bagged the the Industry Award for Vocal duet/trio and the over-all champion in the vocal duet/trio category.

In the group category, QTV 11’s Fanjam’s Cercado sisters grabbed the Industry Award for Group Vocals and Over-all champion in Pop, Broadway, Gospel and Original.

Jon Joven won the Gold medal in Broadway category and two silver medals for Pop and Opera and overall champion as male vocalist in the broadway category.

The Philippines won more than 50 medals this year, mostly gold.

It was another tremendous victory for the Filipinos in the World Championships of Performing Arts considering that we have only a few delegates compared to countries like Trinidad and Tobago, USA and South Africa which fielded more than a hundred. Last year we have only 2 delegates: Jed Madela and Rizza Navales and they’ve won 11 Gold medals, 1 silver medal, 3 Champion of the World plaques and a trophy for Jed for being the over-all Grand Champion for the Philippines. It was also the year when Fil-Am Hollywood actor Michael Copon was awarded an honorary achievement award. He even mentioned in his speech that he’s not only representing the USA but also the Philippines because he’s half-Filipino. Michael Copon was this year’s host for the awarding ceremony.

Congratulations also for the following Filipinos who also brought victory to our country: Rachel Alejandro, Faith Cuneta, Kim Flores, Jennifer Bautista, Dex de Rosa, Jeremie Antiporda, Juaquin Tungol, Bim Mangubat, Siblings, Angelo Ortiz, Glenn Cadampog and Rommel Luna.

Black Eyed Peas' Bebot Generation 1 Music Video

2006-08-14T08:56:00.000-07:00

Black Eyed Peas' Bebot Generation 2 Music Video

2006-08-14T08:38:00.000-07:00

Jed Madela's Grand Champion Concert Ad

2006-08-14T08:31:00.000-07:00

Philippine All-Stars Performs in ASAP

2006-08-14T08:17:00.000-07:00

Alexander Aquino's Winning Moment in Mr. International 2001

2006-08-14T07:57:00.000-07:00

Lea Salonga Performs with Brad Kane in the Oscar Awards 1993

2006-08-14T07:54:00.000-07:00

Fil-Am Actor Michael Copon Hosts World Championships of Performing Arts Competition

2006-08-08T08:02:00.000-07:00

Filipino-American actor, singer, model Michael Copon who was inducted to Hall of Fame Award in last year's World Championship of Performing Arts (where Philippine contender Jed Madela won the coveted Grand Champion) will have the honor of hosting the upcoming 10th annual WCOPA 2006 international competition. The competition will start from August 6 and will bookend on August 12 for the Grand Final Competition, which will be held at the Hollywood Palladium in Hollywood, California.

Mr. Griff O'Neil, President and CEO of WCOPA has only good words to tell about
Michael's being inducted to Hall of Fame, "We were looking for a young,
up-and-rising actor or actress who could serve as a 'role model' and inspiration
for our contestants who are aspiring performers from around the world. With
Michael coming from a small town, persevering with auditions, dedicated to
training and learning more about his craft, caring for and about others, plus
becoming an astute businessperson all provided the criteria needed to honor him
and present him to our audience. Indeed, Michael turned out to be especially
charming, professional and motivational to these youths. The induction was the
first activity of the World Championship of Performing Arts. After the ceremony,
he was very patient and kind by giving words of encouragement, individually to
all contestants who came up to him signing autographs and graciously allowing
endless number of photos to be taken," Mr. O'Neil proudly told to this
writer.
"Past Grand Champions/World winners are always invited to have as guest performers," Mr. O'Neil continued. Among the list, he wrote: "This year, we are privileged to have with us Jessica Johnson (Junior Grand Champion Vocalist 2003-2005); Katy Benko (1999 Grand Champion vocalist from Virginia); Amanda Hawkins (2002 Junior Grand Champion Performer of the World -from Colorado); Samantha and Anna Strachan (2003 Grand Champion Performers of the World from Jamaica); Donald Douglas (2005 Junior Grand Champion Performer of the World - dancer from New York); and Jed Madela (2005 Grand Champion Performer of the World (vocalist from the Philippines). I'm also excited to announce that famous popular television personality and multi-Emmy winner, Bob Eubanks, will host the Opening Ceremony and Michael Copon will hosts the spectacular Finals.
The former Blue Power Ranger television star who also played Felix on WB's hit series "One Tree Hill" and winner of the recent reality-tv VH1's 'But Can They Sing,' Michael Copon, is currently on the new television series 'Beyond the Break,' on N Channel (check out www.the-n.com) playing Vin, the Hawaiian surfer.

RP Sick man of Asian Sports No More

2006-03-03T07:31:00.000-08:00

Sick Man of Asian sports no more. Long languishing in the shadows of the traditional sports powers in the region, the Philippines bade goodbye to that lowly tag Monday when it officially captured a historic first overall title in the Southeast AsianGames, a feat accomplished on home turf and with the support of a nation badly needing a respite from its tumultuous political life.

A runaway final tally of 113 gold medals did it for the Filipinos whofailed to win the championships the first two times they hosted the meet in1981 and 1991. This time, there was no down-the-wire finish to speak of like that one 14 years ago when the Philippines fell short of one gold medal, allowingIndonesia to snatch the overall title in a heartbreaking setback stilletched vividly in the minds of every Filipino. It was a Philippine show all the way in this year’s games as Filipinoathletes registered one victory after another, relegating Thailand anddefending champion Vietnam fighting for the silver of second best in theoverall reckoning.

Filipino superiority in the last fortnight was nowhere more evident than in seven sports where it accounted for 58 gold medals, more than half of itstotal haul of 113. The ancient Chinese martial arts of wushu was the most productive with 11victories out of 22 events as the host grabbed the overall title in the sport. Despite falling one short of their target, Filipino tracksters provided nine gold medals in the centerpiece event of athletics, a modest harvest that paled in comparison to the 12 that Thailand got to keep the championship in the sport.

Filipino boxers accounted for eight to snatch the title from Thailand and so did the cue artists who turned in the same number of golds to show and sundry that it is still second to none in the game. The contact sport of taekwondo and the traditional boat race provided six golds each for the hosts while fencing and tennis contributed five apiece..In all, the Philippines topped the tally in 17 sports, leaving Thailand andVietnam battling for the crumbs.

Philippines wins Miss International 2005

2006-03-03T07:17:00.000-08:00

Our very own Precious Lara Quigaman bested other 52 contestants from around the world including the heavy favored MissVenezuela as she wins the 4th Miss International crown for the Philippines last September 26, 2005. The 1st runner-up is Yadira Geara of the DominicanRepublic, and the 2nd runner-up is Susanna Laine of Finland.

The Top 12 Semifinalists, excluding the winner and runner-ups, are as follows: Brazil - Ariane Colombo, Colombia - Diana Patricia Arbelaez, France - Cynthia Tevere, Japan - Naomi Ishizaka, Peru - Vanessa Lopez Vera Tudela, Serbia & Montenegro - Sanja Miljanic, Turkey - Sebnem Azade, Ukraine - Maria Zhukova, and Venezuela - Andrea Gomez.

Precious dedicated her victory to her father who died a few months prior to the pageant in an automobile accident in England where he works as a bus driver. When asked by the host for her victory speech, Precious mentioned that his father, when he was still alive, predicted that she will win Miss International. And she did win!

Jed: World Grand Champion in "Talent Olympics"

2006-03-03T07:10:00.000-08:00

A grand total of 3,500 acts from 51 nations are competing in the ninth annual World Championship of Performing Arts (WCOPA) in Burbank , California . The host country, the United States , is fielding as many as 500 contestants. The Philippines has only two entries. And the overall winner is…!
Jed Madela from the Philippines!

The 26-year-old Jed, along with Rizza Navales, was one of two talents picked by GMA Artist Center head Ida Henares to represent the country. During the opening ceremonies, some participants even laughed when Jed and Rizza were introduced as the only performers from the Philippines .

“Dalawa lang kami, tapos ang laki-laki ng flag namin. It was really a humbling thing for us. Pero sabi naming, okay lang. we're here to enjoy, to have fun, and for the experience.”
For those who are not in the know, the WCOPA is by invitation only. Singers, dancers, models, actors, instrumentalists, and other performers are judged by agents, casting directors, and other entertainment representatives, who are also scouting for fresh talent.

At the end of the eight-day event, winners are awarded gold, silver, and bronze medals and championship trophies. The two highest overall awards go to the Grand Champion Performers in the senior and junior division.
“It was really crazy!” Jed says of the frenzied elimination round. “Sobrang crazy! Ang gulo! It was takbuhan dito, takbuhan doon. One ballroom was for the singers, one ballroom was for the dancers, one ballroom was for the actors. Then yung hallway, ang daming nagtatakbuhan! May nag-aayos ng damit, may sumisigaw, parang palengke talaga!”

At the end of the elimination round, Jed had his hopes high for at least one medal. “We were kinda ninenerbiyos. Imaginin mo, 3,000 people, and they were going to give out medals for the best. Isa lang yung the best. So sabi ko, isang medal lang, okey na ako.”

When the host started announcing the winners in the various vocals category, Jed found himself going up the stage several times to receive his medals. It got to the point where the host told him: “I think you should stay onstage, because there's more.”

“So tumayo na lang ako doon,” Jed relates. “Sa six categories na I joined in, lahat nanalo ng gold!” Jed got his medals for these songs and categories: Aerosmith's “I Don't Wanna Miss a Thing” (pop), Gary Valenciano's “Take Me Out of the Dark” (gospel), “Home” (boardway), Martin Nievera's “Be My Lady” (original work), “I'm Your Angel” (pop duet), and “Last Night of the World” from Miss Saigon (broadway duet, sung with Rizza Navales).

There was more to come. Besides the six medals, Jed went on to win two plaques, bagging the Champion of the World-Overall Duo award with Rizza Navales and the Champion of the World-Male Vocals.

And all this was just for the first round! For the second round, the finals night, the more than 3,500 acts had been cut down to only 40. Jed's name was one of four included in the finals' vocals—solo category. By this time, Rizza was out of the finals as a solo performer, although she had won five gold and one silver and had qualified for the finals' duet contest.

Each performer was now required to sing only one song. Jed reprised Aerosmith's “I Don't Wanna Miss a Thing.” When it was time for the winners to be announced, the boy from Iloilo found himself praying hard.
“They announced the overall winners first—best singer, best dancer, best instrumentalist, model, lahat. So when they announced for the vocals category, “The Grand Champion Vocalist goes to the Philippines !', nagulat ako. Sabi ko, ‘Thank you, Lord, okey na to.” Then I moved back… I was not expecting too much na, kasi baka ma-disappoint lang ako.”

And still there was more. Once again, Jed was called onstage. He had won the songfest's biggest award—2005 Senior Grand Champion Performer of the World!
Jed's adventure didn't stop there. After winning the WCOPA title, he and Rizza stayed for another month in the US to meet with producers and agents.

“Ang dami ng offers—recording, acting for Hollywood . They wanted me to stay. They wanted to fix my papers and let me stay permanently there.”

But Jed decided to come home. “I want to share the victory with my fellow Filipinos muna,” he says. “I don't see myself giving my talents to the foreigners na hindi ko naibibigay pa sa Pilipinas. There's a lot more for me to give—my music—sa Filipinos. Dito muna, then next na sila.”

Philippines sweeps 2005 World Championship of Performing Arts in Hollywood

2006-03-03T06:52:00.000-08:00

For the first time in the 11-year history of the World Championship ofPerforming Arts (WCOPA), a magnificent sweep of awards was achieved by just one nation, the Philippines! What made this recent triumph more amazing is that our country has only two contestants—the super talented Jed Madela and Rizza Navales who won 11 gold medals, one silver medal, three Champion of the World plaques and a trophy for the grand champion.

The World Championships of Performing Arts is considered the official talent Olympics, staged annually in Hollywood, California. Similar to the Olympics, only invited and qualified competitors from countries all over the globe compete each year in a fierce competitionfor the "Gold. "The 2005 WCOPA was participated in by 51 nations, from Armenia to Zimbabwe. The Philippines sent five delegates headed by Ida Henares; with only two contestants, Jed Madela and Rizza Navales. Once again, the gutsy duo has proven that Filipinos are world class entertainers. Jed Madela won six gold medals in all the six categories he competed in. Rizza Navales won five golds and a silver in also six divisions. Jed has been declared Champion of the World in the Male Singing Division while Rizza won the same honor in the female division. They also bagged Champion of the World in the Duet Category.

To top it all, Jed Madela was declared Grand Champion, the over-all winner, besting winners in the dance, acting, instrumental and modelling divisions. For this victory he was awarded a handsome trophy.The victorious Philippine delegation celebrated their triumph in Las Vegas,where they were brought to witness a performance by Filipina diva Lani Misalucha, now based in the States.

In Vegas, Jed and Rizza performed for the worldwide bookers and talent agents. That very evening the duo had already been swarmed by temptingoffers. Rizza had been offered a permanent slot in a Las Vegas night spot. But they cannot accept any offer that moment. Jed and Rizza have no working visa yet.

Fil-Am actor Michael Copon takes the Hollywood Splash

2006-03-03T06:35:00.000-08:00

International model and former Blue Power Ranger Michael Copon takes theHollywood splash as one of the cast members of WB’s hit series “One TreeHill”. TELEVISION and mainstream audiences have been noticing the tall, nicely framed face and athletic good looks of Fil-Am star Michael Copon, the Dean Cain look-a-like who plays Felix on WB’s hit series “One TreeHill” (Tuesdays at 8 pm).

Born on November 13, 1982, Michael Sowell Copon was raised by a German mother (Monica Zelasko) and Filipino father, Berlin Copon (now remarried to a Filipina).

“Yeah, I was born in Virginia, you know, my old Filipino grandfather was inthe Navy,” he said with a grin during this conversation during the Reeboks’s The Vault party on Melrose Ave. “My [Filipina] step-mom would always tell me, ‘You should go there in the Philippines, and you’ll be a star in a second!’ She said I could land a lucrative showbiz career inManila.

I’ve learned a lot about Manila so much through her and I’m just so excitedto go next year: nice beaches, pretty girls, and I heard houses there arealso cheaper. I want to visit my relatives, too,” the six-foot-tall hunkcontinued. (Latest news: Michael Copon is contemplating to visit sooner, probably next month).

Growing up, his dad taught him the Filipino values and culture. “Myfavorite food is the classic pansit, chicken adobo (I’m not a pork fan), lumpia, and sinigang! I was overweight and fleshy when I was a kid, eatingall this rice, you know what I mean? But now, I try to stay away from it.The worst thing my dad made me try is the bagoong and dinuguan. Filipinosare nasty! My dad eats fish heads, and showed me how to suck fish eyeballsand he made me do it,” Michael said, laughing and making wry face. “My auntowns a Filipino restaurant down in Orange County and I’ve been there manytimes. I always hang out with my Filipino friends and cousins in San Diego.”

Michael moved to Los Angeles from his hometown in Cheasepeake, VA when hewas 17. A local photographer spotted him and alerted LA Models Agency tohis husky looks. Copon has since then worked for top vendors andcommercials such as Pacsun, Skechers, and Old Navy, to name a few. He did alittle bit of stand-up comedy back home, making friends and old peoplelaugh, doing jokes and impersonations. He had always been a life of theparty in his hometown.

His acting career started in 2001 when he was cast as Lucas Kendall, the Blue Time Force Ranger, in the highly rated children’s television series “Power Rangers” on Fox Kids Network, before graduating from Deep Creek HighSchool in his hometown in Virginia.

As a defense football player during mid-school, Michael revealed he waskind of heavier, but playing basketball and doing other athletic routineskept him fit and energetic. He feeds his mind by reading a lot of books.

After a modeling gig in Hongkong, he passed an audition to join the cast of “One Tree Hill,” playing a hunky new dude on the block who has a seriousaffection for danger.

Besides getting so busy with his schedules with acting and modeling, Michael plans to pursue his singing career. In his spare time, he puts hispassion in playing instruments, as well as writing and recording songs. Among the cast of “OTH,” he usually hangs out with Daniella Alonso who plays his sister. Asked what’s going to happen with his character in “OTH”next season, he answered, “We’re still negotiating about it. They’ll be surprised!”